The influence of organizational structure on organizational learning
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to determine what type of organizational structure provides appropriate conditions for the development of organizational learning.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is a research model, which is based on research within the field, using a formative conceptualization for organizational learning.
Findings
The framework makes clear that organizational learning varies according to the kind of structure (organic and mechanistic). The study of the different design variables (specialization, formalization, autonomy, centralization and indoctrination) allows us to deepen our understanding of different organizational learning implications.
Practical implications
Organic structural profile helps favour organizational learning and greater knowledge creation rather than mechanics profile. The critical variables that facilitate learning are centralization and indoctrination.
Originality/value
The article responds to the need to provide empirical evidence about the influence of organizational structure on organizational learning, advancing in the measure of this emergent field of management research, using this formative conceptualization.
Keywords
Citation
María Martínez‐León, I. and Martínez‐García, J.A. (2011), "The influence of organizational structure on organizational learning", International Journal of Manpower, Vol. 32 No. 5/6, pp. 537-566. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437721111158198
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited